Blackberry Columbia Star: photo, description, cultivation

The article presents the Columbia Star blackberry: a photo, a description of the variety, a guide for growing, care, reproduction.

Blackberries have existed for a long time, and even by the Russian biologist and breeder Ivan Michurin himself, back in the 18th century, varieties such as Izobilnaya and Texas were bred. However, it did not become popular and did not begin to spread widely throughout the territory of our country and in the near abroad. In the territories of the American continent, this tasty and healthy berry is grown everywhere and on an industrial scale. It is precisely with this that it is connected that in most cases North American breeders become the ones thanks to whom we can see your variety of new varieties. The best of all the new products is the Columbia Star blackberry variety.

Blackberry Columbia Star: the origin of the variety

Blackberry Columbia Star: photo

The new blackberry variety Columbia Star was bred quite recently, namely in the 8th year of the 21st century, after which it was tested for 4 years. It was registered in the 14th year, and a year later it was patented. It appeared thanks to the works of Chad Finn, who works at the University of Oregon, which is patronized by the US Department of Agriculture.

It was successfully bred by crossing the New Zealand unpatented variety and the Orus variety. Columbia Star, a new blackberry variety, combines many genes from blackberry and raspberry varieties. To obtain a thornless bush, the genes of the Lincoln Logan variety were used.

The aim of the creation was to create a new blackberry bush that bears fruit that will taste perfect and will be easy for industrialists to grow. There was no goal to develop a variety with high yields.

Blackberry Columbia Star: variety description

Blackberry Columbia Star: photo

To begin with, it should be said that the Columbia Star blackberry variety belongs to completely new varieties. She was tested in the United States. The plant appeared there less than 10 years ago, which is not enough for all tests.

The Russian climate is very different from the North American one and it has been in our latitudes quite recently. At the moment, it is extremely difficult to assess how the bush will behave after 5 years, how long it will be able to bring yields and what quality they will be, how high is the resistance to various diseases during periods of infections. What size the fruits will be can also change along with the place where the plant will be grown.

Therefore, the only reason we can judge this variety is from the little experience of specialists from overseas and to relate with confidence to the American Department of Agriculture, who speak of the variety as very worthy. Considering how popular it is becoming there, and that whole plantations of this variety are being laid, then, probably, the statements of specialists are not unfounded. They promise that Columbia Star, it will be a real sensation and will be able to conquer the whole world.

To grow Columbia star blackberries, you need a support. In the first year of life, its shoots grow by 4 meters, and then add another 1 meter.The variety has flexible, strong, studless lashes that are easy to form, tie and prepare for winter. You do not have to tie the branches, then they will become creeping. Lateral branching is strong. The internodes reach an average of 5 centimeters in length. At a young age, the leaves have a shade of light green, but after a while they become green and large. The variety has a well-developed root system.

The formation of Columbia Star blackberries occurs on the branches of the previous year. It should be noted that there are no thorns on the surface of the entire length of the shoot.

When flowering begins, the bush is covered with large white flowers 3 cm in diameter, collected together from 3 or 4 pieces. Columbia Star blackberry fruits have a cone-like shape, they are of the same large size, dark brown with a shade of burgundy color, which is most often found in raspberry + blackberry hybrids. Cutting the berry, you can see that it is red inside.

The average weight of one such berry, according to the manufacturer, is about 8 grams. However, some experts say that the berry can reach 18 grams, but whether it will reach this size on the territory of our country will be clear only after a lapse of time. It is likely that by indicating such sizes, the company selling the berries was simply using it as a publicity stunt. Regardless of this, the fact that the fruits reach 8 grams is enough to talk about the large size of the Columbia blackberry is old.

Columbia blackberry fruit is old - about 2 centimeters in diameter, length can reach 3.8 centimeters. The berries have a fragrant, tender, firm and very juicy pulp with small drupes inside, which are practically not felt when fresh. They have a balanced sweet taste with a slight sourness, with a light raspberry and cherry aftertaste. The tasters rated Columbia Star at 4.7 points.

It should be noted that when grown under our conditions, this score is reduced to 3 points.

It is difficult to characterize Columbia old and its unique consumer qualities, because it takes time to check them and expect that it will be able to take root and show itself well in our country.

At the moment, there are quite a few positive reviews, but it will not be entirely correct to rely on them, because only after 4 years of cultivation it will be possible to get really correct information.

Blackberry Columbia Star: requirements for growing varieties

Blackberry Columbia Star: photo

Columbia old does not differ in its winter hardiness from all dews, it is average and for the period of winter cold bushes must be covered. If the conditions are favorable, then the temperature of -25 degrees will not be terrible for the plant. If the thermometer is not covered below -14 degrees, there is little snow, and there is either a thaw or a sharp cold snap outside, then this can lead to the death of the bush.
The main thing to remember about this is when cultivating in the Urals, where the weather changes quite often.

Columbia Star has good resistance to long dry periods. It is necessary to water it regularly only in the first year of life after planting in the garden. The main thing to remember is that blackberries are a shrub plant and, unlike fruit trees, they need more moisture, especially if they are grown in the southern regions.

She loves loamy soils, loose, with a high content of organic matter and with a low level of acidity.

Growing this variety is quite simple, making pruning and tying the bush on time. If you do not carry out these events, then quite soon the site will be overgrown with impassable thickets, which will be quite difficult to cope with, even despite the fact that Columbia is completely lacking thorns. Well, what is most important for the gardener, the yield will significantly decrease, and it will be more difficult to collect the fruits.

Columbia star blackberries keep their shape perfectly, which allows it to be transported.

Flowering, ripening, productivity

The blackberry columbia is old, has not yet had the opportunity to demonstrate the actual time at which it fructifies and blooms, since cultivation on the territory of our country is still taking place for no more than 3 years, and this is only a period of adaptation. Only when the necessary information about flowering and fruiting is collected, and this will happen no earlier than 2 years later, it will be possible to announce the timing. Considering that the cultivation of this crop was started in the central and southern parts of Russia and in neighboring countries, the information can be quite complete.

At the moment, we can confidently state the timing of flowering in the southern part, where it falls at the end of June. On the territory of the Middle Lane, this happens later. With regard to fruiting, it is difficult to make any statements. According to the manufacturer, it is medium early and stretched.

It is important to know that the blackberry columbia is an old self-pollinated plant.

In America, it is believed that cultivators are responsible for high productivity, and for varieties belonging to dessert, the most important thing is the taste and appearance of the berry. For this reason, when breeding varieties, yield is not put in the first place.

However, the companies selling the Columbia Star variety speak of the plant's productivity as phenomenal and record-breaking. At the same time, 16.7 tons are harvested from one hectare of land in the United States, which indicates an average yield. Regarding our conditions, it is still very early to talk about yields, because the data will appear only in three years.

Use, resistance to diseases, pests

Blackberry columbia star is incredibly tasty, the aroma that it emits resembles a cherry with raspberries. Fresh, they are delicious, and thanks to their good transportability and the ability to be stored for a long time when creating cool conditions, the freshness of these berries can be enjoyed for a long time and in different corners. They will also be great in jam, jams and can be used to make wine.

The variety is resistant to various diseases and harmful insects. During periods of infectious diseases and adjacent to diseased blackberry or raspberry bushes, the plant can get sick.

Blackberry Columbia Star: pros and cons

Columbia is old predicted good prospects. If he really turns out to be what they expect to see him, then he will take first place among all varieties. TO pluses this plant can be attributed:

• The thorns are completely absent;
• Taste rated 4.7 out of a possible 5;
• Resistant to diseases and harmful insects;
• Despite the fact that the dessert berry yields are average, which is very good;
• Fruiting lasts 60 days;
• Stores well and can withstand transportation;
• The ability to harvest crops using technology;
• Tolerates long periods of drought well;
• Self-pollinated;
• Good flexibility of shoots, making it easy to attach to beds and remove.

By cons refers to:

• High price;
• There is not enough information about the variety due to the fact that it appeared very recently;
• The need for shelter for the period of winter cold. But this one applies to most varieties of blackberries.

Reproduction of blackberry varieties Columbia Star

There are no difficulties in breeding blackberries. This can be done in several ways:

• With the help of seeds. Then, when growing only one variety, it will be possible to get a third of the plants that will appear with the characteristics of the mother plant;
• With the help of layering. This option is the simplest. To do this, at the end of summer, select the shoot that appeared in the current year, clean it of leaves, bend it to the ground, fix it with metal brackets and dig it in. Then water, and with the arrival of spring, separate and transplant to a new place;
• With the help of apical shoots. When the lash reaches 60 centimeters in length, it is necessary to cut off the top 10 centimeters long.One bud will give several shoots, they must be bent and deepened into the ground by 5 centimeters, secured and watered using a large amount of water;
• Using root cuttings. This procedure will help to get more new plants;

You can also propagate the bush by dividing it and using green cuttings.

Note, that the Columbia Star blackberry variety cannot be propagated with the help of root offspring. This is due to the fact that they are not formed in him.

Even a person who is just starting gardening will be able to cope with planting blackberries. Columbia Star does not have thorns, so it is safe for the hands to carry out planting activities.

Blackberry Columbia Star: Planting Guide

When to plant:

In the southern territories, it is preferable to choose autumn for planting, because here spring can end very quickly, which will have a bad effect on the rooting of the plant. In regions with a temperate climate, planting should be carried out in the spring, after warming up the earth 50 centimeters deep.

How to choose a place:

For planting, you need to choose an area well-lit by the sun's rays and protected from the winds. Groundwater should go to a depth of at least one meter. Blackberry is a moisture-loving plant, but if moisture stagnates in the soil, it will suffer.

In southern regions, active sun can also make the plant feel unwell.

How to prepare the soil:

Blackberries can grow on any type of soil, but prefers light loams, saturated with organic matter and with a low level of acidity.

Planting holes should be prepared a couple of weeks before planting. Their diameter and depth should be 50 centimeters. To prepare the earthen mixture, it is necessary to mix the fertile top layer of the earth with humus (1 bucket), with phosphate (150 grams), with potassium (40 grams). If the soil is too acidic, then lime must be added to it, if it is neutral or with a high alkali content, then a little sour peat must be added. Sand should be added to clayey heavy soil.

How to choose and prepare seedlings for planting

When choosing, you need to pay attention that the seedling has shoots with good development in the amount of 2 pcs. and the root system had a pair of thickened shoots and many fibrous slender roots. If there are wrinkles or cracks on the bark, you must refuse to purchase. Wood can be exceptionally green in color.
If the plant has a closed root system, then it is enough to water and plant it on the site. If there is no earthen lump on the roots, then it is necessary to soak them for half a day.

Landing rules:

If you plan to plant several bushes, then you need to think in advance how they will be located in the garden. On a private territory, the landing pattern can be completely different, depending on the specific situation.

Plants can be planted quite tightly, leaving a distance of 80 centimeters between them and 3 meters between the rows. But in this case, it will be necessary to take a responsible attitude to the formation and feeding of the bush three times during the year. Basically, when planting, leave a distance between the bushes in a row of one and a half meters and 3 or 3.5 meters between the rows.

After the earthen mixture is ready, it is necessary to fill the wells with it by 2/3, fill it with water and let it stand for a couple of weeks. If it was not possible to prepare them in advance, and the purchase has already happened, then you can plant them immediately, allowing the water to be absorbed.

• The first thing to do is to trim the shoots so that no more than 20 centimeters of length remain. The cut must be processed with a garden broth.
• In the center of the hole, you need to make a small hill and plant a seedling on it, carefully spreading its roots.
• After that, you need to fill up the plant, while the root collar goes deep into the ground only a couple of centimeters.
• Further, the earth is compacted, watered abundantly and a layer of mulch is applied.

Please note that if the soil is with a neutral level of acidity or with a high alkali content, then mulching is carried out using sour peat.

Blackberry Columbia Star: rules of care

For some time, after the blackberry has been planted, it is necessary to irrigate twice in 7 days, while spending half a bucket of water.

Columbia Star must necessarily be tied to two-meter trellis in which the wire is located in three rows. The location of the first should be 50 centimeters from the ground.

You can increase the volume of the crop with the help of fertilizing, timely pruning and garter of the plant.

Blackberries love moist soils, although they are resistant to dry periods. If you do not give the plant the right amount of moisture, then the length of the shoots will become shorter and the fruits will shrink. In the absence of rain, in the southern regions watering should be carried out once every 14 days, in other regions it is possible less often.

After spring pruning and tying to the trellis, it is necessary to carry out the first feeding. For this, nitrogen fertilizers should be used. As soon as flowering ends, the plant must be fed with a complex of mineral fertilizers. You can limit yourself to only the first top dressing and apply large amounts of other fertilizers only once every three years, but then the yield will be reduced, although the care will become easier.

It is better to replace loosening of the soil with mulching, using humus if the level of acidity in the soil is increased and sour peat if it is neutral or alkaline.

Winter preparation rules

The most important step in caring for a bush is pruning. In the first year of life, no more than three strong shoots are left, which must be tied to a trellis in the form of a fan. The new growth is directed in the middle of the structure and fixed to the top wire. Before the onset of winter cold, the shoots of the first year of life are removed, laid on the ground and covered with spruce branches or other material. How serious the shelter should be depends on the place where the bush grows. In the southern territories, you can cover with agrofibre and sprinkle a layer of earth on top of 10 centimeters. In colder regions, spruce branches, agrofibre are used, and the thickness of the soil layer doubles.

The shelter must be removed before the buds open. It is very important not to allow damping, because this is much worse for the plant than frost damage.

After the shelter is removed, the rent of old branches and those that appeared only last year is carried out. Leave enough only 7 of the strongest, whose tops are cut off if they are frozen or dry. After that, a garter is carried out on one side of the trellis.

In the future, the procedure is carried out in the same way, with the onset of spring, all branches are cut off under the base.

It's important to knowthat only sanitary pruning is carried out in the autumn.

Preventive measures and possible problems

The plant's resistance to various diseases and harmful insects allows not to worry too much about it, but it is necessary to carry out preventive measures by spraying the plant. They are carried out during preparation for the winter cold and with the onset of spring, as soon as the pruning is finished. For processing, preparations based on copper are used. During periods of epidemics, other medications may be needed.

If the leaves on the bush begin to turn yellow, and the veins do not change their color, then the plant is sick with chlorosis. This disease occurs when there is not enough iron. To help the plant, you need to use spray gowns.

Outcome

Columbia is an old blackberry variety considered to be very promising. It is not clear how he will manifest himself in the conditions of our country, but it is difficult to pass by him, even if only a part of the qualities that breeders talk about are present in him.

Blackberry Columbia Star: video